This study examines the teaching of the first part of an Information
Technology (I.T.) and Information Management (I.M.) course, to one cohort of
pre-registration student nurses, for the first five months of their
"Project 2000" Diploma in Applied Health Studies course.

The first chapter provides an introduction to the area, and places
changes related to Information Management and Technology (I.M.&T.) in a
wider social and political context. Then there is a particular focus on
developments within the NHS and the implications for nurses. Chapter 2 then
concentrates on Nursing Informatics and tries to highlight some of the
underlying assumptions in its use. Chapter 3 examines some of the research
which has been undertaken into nurses' use of I.T. (primarily in the U.K.), and
the reactions of nurses when new information systems are put in place.

In the light of the previous sections, chapter 4 attempts to explore the
place of I.M.&T. in the nurse education curriculum. A range of sources are
cited to identify appropriate content and methods for this component of the
curriculum. Chapter 5 seeks to explain the rationale for the present study,
taking into account the researchers own experience and biases.

The next chapter (6) considers the methodology selected for the study
based on the complex aims of the research, and explores the underlying
philosophy of the investigation. The intention was to investigate a wide range
of factors which impinge on the delivery of this component of the
pre-registration diploma in nursing course. To do this the seven basic beliefs
in Lincoln & Guba's (1985, p 51-55) research model, are discussed with
explanation of how they informed this study. In an attempt to use an evaluative
method which valued the experience of all participants, Focus Groups were used.
The rationale and use of these are considered with a concentration on the role
of the facilitator. The use of questionnaires to students in support of data
gained in focus groups is also described.

The next chapter (7) sets out the key points from an advisors focus
group, using the comments made by participants to illustrate the 5 themes which
emerged. The themes were; The information chain, Basic skills, Feelings,
Teaching & learning methods and the Nurses' role in relation to I.M.&T.
The next chapter (8) describes the discussions which occurred in the student
focus groups, and their close relationship to the taught sessions which made up
the students course.

Chapter 9 describes the results from student questionnaires, and
graphically represents students attitudes towards, and experience of IT use,
which became more positive during the period studied, with the greatest change
among those who had been least experienced at the outset. Initial anxieties had
been reduced with increasing exposure and competence.

The discussion chapter (10) draws the threads together, examining the
methods used, and attempting to collate the data from the various data
collection methods. Throughout the study, the complex relationship between
Information Technology (I.T.) and Information Management (I.M.) emerged. The
final part of the chapter explores some of the implications and makes tentative
suggestions for the incorporation of I.M.&T. into the pre-registration
nursing curriculum.

In the final chapter (11), my own personal development is briefly
described, and an attempt made to draw some conclusions from the study and make
recommendations for improvements in the teaching of I.M.&T. both within
this college and beyond. In addition, some areas which have been identified in
this study as requiring further research are outlined.